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ThuDec 12

Bob Barker

Robert William Barker, known worldwide as Bob Barker, was born on December 12, 1923, and is a retired American television host. He was famous for hosting the CBS show The Price is Right from 1972 to 2007, making it the longest daytime game show in American television history. He was also known for hosting Truth or Consequences from 1956 to 1975. Join us to celebrate this very special day with unique insights into this great host!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Robert William Barker

Nickname:

Bob

Birth date:

December 12, 1923

Death date:

August 26, 2023 (age 99)

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

6' 0"

Relationship Status:

Widowed

Net Worth:

$70.0 million

Background

Robert William Barker, popularly known as Bob Barker, was born on December 12, 1923, into a modest family in Darrington, Washington. He spent most of his youth at Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. His mother, Matilda Valandra, was a school teacher, and his father, Byron John Barker, was a foreman of the high power line in Washington state.

At 15, he met his wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, at an Ella Fitzgerald concert in town. Later, Barker attended Drury College (now Drury University) in Springfield, Missouri.

Barker enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II but did not serve on active duty. He worked part-time in radio while attending college. In 1950, he moved to California to pursue a radio career. His radio show, The Bob Barker Show,  ran for six years. He began his game show hosting career on Truth or Consequences in 1956. Soon, Barker presented several shows and became the presenter of Miss Universe and Miss U.S.A. pageants from 1967 to 1987, where he was awarded the longest-serving host of these pageants. When his wife died of lung cancer in 1981 at 57, he became an advocate for animal rights and animal rights activism, supporting groups like United Animal Rights Activists and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. He started hosting The Price is Right in 1972, becoming a household name and an essential part of the show — 35 years later, in 2007, he retired after celebrating his 50th anniversary in television.

Barker sadly died in August of 2023 from Alzheimer’s disease.

Career timeline

1945
True Love

Barker marries life-long love, Dorothy Jo Gideon.

1950
The Radio Career

Barker becomes is the host of an audience-participation radio show on K.N.X., an A.M. radio station in Los Angeles.

1956
He Hosts His First Game Show

He begins his game show career as the host of the show "Truth or Consequences."

1970
He Hosts a Cooking Contest

He starts presenting the annual/biennial "Pillsbury Bake-Off."

1981
Heartbreak

Dorothy Jo Gideon passes after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

1996
He Plays a Role in a Movie

Barker appears alongside Adam Sandler playing himself in the movie "Happy Gilmore."

2009
He Hosts a Wrestling Match

Barker is invited to host a "W.W.E. Raw" special called "The Price is Raw" that aired during a time when nearly every episode of the weekly wrestling show featured a guest host.

August 2023
End of an Era

Barker sadly passes from Alzheimer's.

Why We Love Bob Barker

  1. He loved animals

    Barker bought 460 acres in California to build a monkey sanctuary. Furthermore, he stopped presenting at the Miss U.S. and Miss Universe when the people running the contests refused to stop handing out fur coats as prizes.

  2. His love lasts for a lifetime

    We know that he met his wife at the age of 15 and stayed with her until the end. Even after she passed, Barker said he saw no point in remarrying because he swore to love his wife forever.

  3. He is charitable

    Barker founded the D.J.&T. Foundation in 1994 in honor of his late wife and his mother, and it has contributed millions of dollars to animal neutering programs. He has also funded the rescue of countless animals from parks across the U.S. In 2010, Barker donated $2.5 million to renovate a building for PETA's new Los Angeles office, which opened in 2012.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He appeared in an award-winning fight

    Barker won an M.T.V. Movie Award for Best Fight for his cameo appearance and brawl with Adam Sandler in "Happy Gilmore."

  2. There is a stage named after him

    After the 5,000th episode of "The Price is Right," stage 33 of C.B.S. Television City was renamed "Bob Barker Studio."

  3. He had health issues

    In 2002, Barker had a stroke and prostate surgery.

  4. He knew martial arts

    He is a black belt in karate and trained with Chuck Norris!

  5. He was a basketball player

    Barker played basketball in college as well as on the Navy team while serving in the military.

Bob Barker FAQs

How is Bob Barker's health?

At 99 years old, Barker passed away.

Did Bob Barker have kids?

Despite having been married for 36 years, he had no children.

Was Bob Barker a vegan?

He was not. He was, however, a vegetarian.

Bob Barker’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024December 12Thursday
2025December 12Friday
2026December 12Saturday
2027December 12Sunday
2028December 12Tuesday

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